Veteran NRM leader Capt. Mike Mukula has explained that his withdrawal from the race for National Vice Chairman (Eastern Region) was driven by what he described as "grossly compromised" internal election processe

Speaking in a statement, Mukula said, "The exercise has been marred by widespread corruption, open voter bribery, and the reckless expenditure of huge sums of money to influence delegates.

He added that such practices undermine the very spirit, values, and historical mission upon which the NRM was founded.

Mukula, who has served Eastern Uganda in the NRM Central Executive Committee for over a decade, emphasized that his decision was a matter of principle.

"To participate under such circumstances would be to legitimize an illegality and to endorse practices that I fundamentally oppose," he added.

His main opponent in the race, Calvin Echodu, now emerges as the likely winner in the Eastern Region contest following Mukula's exit.

Observers say Mukula's withdrawal highlights concerns about the commercialization of internal party elections and raises questions about the integrity of the current electoral process within the NRM.

Mukula said he remains committed to the party and to serving the people of Eastern Uganda, stressing that his withdrawal reflects "principle over expediency, conscience over convenience, and integrity over position."